Tony Mowbray has given a full injury update ahead of our FA Cup game this weekend, although Lynden Gooch is expected to be the only player to return. This could give a chance to some younger players around the squad...
GOOCH BACK
"Lynden Gooch has trained today so I think he'll come with us, which is good news."
ALESE/BATTH/CIRKIN/HUGGINS
"Aji Alese, Danny Batth, Dennis Cirkin and Niall Huggins - they won't be coming with us. Batth is the closest but I don't think any of the others will be back for Swansea next weekend either."
PRITCH/EVANS
"Same with Alex Pritchard. Corry Evans isn't travelling for this game but I am hopeful that he'll be back for Swansea City."
U21S
"The numbers are quite low - we haven't really got the players to change the team significantly. So some players will get an opportunity but mostly they are players who will have featured at some stage recently anyway. I sent the staff off to watch the U21s this afternoon at Eppleton and if there's anyone who did particularly well today, they might find themselves on the bus travelling with us tomorrow."
FILL THE BENCH
"There might be one, two, or three young players who played for the U21s today who will jump on the bus with us to help fill the bench, because the bench is nine rather than seven for the FA Cup. I feel as though we are a bit light on numbers, but I don't like putting a bench out with only six players on it when you are allowed nine - I think it's a great chance to get some young players to come along with the first team and be around it and feel the pressure of playing for the supporters and with the manager shouting at you at half-time. It's game experience for them."
BALANCE
"For Sunderland, every game is serious and we want to win. It is an opportunity for some younger players to get on the grass and play for this football club, so it's about getting the balance right. Hopefully we put a team out that can be very competitive and win the match because I know that Shrewsbury Town are going to be very, very competitive. I have to make sure I get the balance right so we're not too young, too small, and they have too much for us physically. That said, they do have some good players as well. I'm expecting a tough game and we have to be at our best to ask questions of them."
